Seating

ABSTRACT

Seating ( 10 ), including a support member ( 14 ) for supporting a plurality of seats ( 12 ), the support member ( 14 ) being, in use, substantially horizontal, the seating ( 10 ) further including a plurality of seats ( 12 ) each of which includes a seat portion ( 16 ) and a backrest ( 18 ), the seat portion ( 16 ) of each seat ( 12 ) being pivotable relative to the respective backrest ( 18 ) between a first, tipped-up, position and a second, open, position, wherein when in the first position the seat portion ( 16 ) is substantially parallel to the backrest ( 18 ), and in the second position the seat portion ( 16 ) is substantially perpendicular to the backrest ( 18 ), the seat portion ( 16 ) being biased towards the first position, each seat ( 12 ) further including an attachment formation ( 24 ) in which an upper part of the support member ( 14 ) is receivable.

BACKGROUND

This invention relates to seating, and a method of providing seating.

It is known to provide seating for sports stadia or theatres, includinga plurality of seats each having a seat portion and a backrest, the seatportion being pivotable relative to the backrest in order to provide athoroughfare between adjacent rows of seats when the seats areunoccupied, so as to enable the capacity of the stadium or theatre to beincreased whilst maintaining sufficient accessibility to each seat. Suchseats are often referred to as ‘tip-up’ seats.

A problem with such seating is that the installation of the seating canbe awkward and/or time consuming. This problem can be exacerbated by theclose proximity of each seat in a row to adjacent seats, and the closeproximity of each row of seats to an adjacent row or rows of seats.

There are occasions when more that one type of seating may be desired.For example different widths of seat may be desired. This furthercomplicates the installation of the seating, as it is necessary toensure that each seat is supported in the correct manner, and mayrequire a support or supports for each of the seats to be prepared indifferent ways or even for entirely different types of support to beused for the different types of seat.

It is known to spring load the seat portions of such seats, so that theseat portion of each seat is biased towards a tipped-up position, sothat when an occupant of the seat stands up, the seat portion of theseat is urged towards the backrest. A problem with this feature is thatthe seat portion often contacts the backrest as it moves into thetipped-up position, and thus if a large number of the occupants of astadium stand up at approximately the same time, the contact between alarge number of seat portions with the corresponding backrests can benoisy. There is also the possibility of the seats becoming damaged byprolonged or continual imp_(a)ct of the seat portion on the back rest.

SUMMARY

According to the present invention, there is provided seating, includinga support member for supporting a plurality of seats, the support memberbeing, in use, substantially horizontal, the seating further including aplurality of seats each of which includes a seat portion and a backrest,the seat portion of each seat being pivotable relative to the respectivebackrest between a first, tipped up, position and a second, open,position, wherein when in the first position the seat portion issubstantially parallel to the backrest, and in the second position theseat portion is substantially perpendicular to the backrest, the seatportion being biased towards the first position, each seat furtherincluding an attachment formation in which an upper part of the supportmember is receivable.

An advantage of this arrangement of seating is that a plurality of seatscan be supported by a single support member. This reduces or can evencompletely eliminate the need for each seat to be supported by aseparate leg which is fixed to a structure, for example a grandstand.This simplifies and accelerates the installation of the seating, andreduces the number of obstructions at or near the feet of theoccupant(s) of the seating. Each seat having an attachment formation forreceiving an upper part of the support member means that each seat canbe aligned with the support member in a desired position, then loweredinto engagement with the support member. This means that several seatscan be positioned simultaneously, for example there is no need to slideeach seat along the support member from an end of the support member.The strength of the support member is such that a plurality of seats(and occupants) can be supported by the support member simultaneously.Therefore the amount of time and fixings required to connect the supportmember to the structure are reduced compared with seating which requiresone or more support members for each seat.

The attachment formation of each seat may include a clamp for attachingthe seat to the support member. Such an engagement is quick to execute,and provides a secure attachment of each seat to the support member.

The attachment formation may include a pair of clamps, one on each sideof the seat, for providing stability.

The support member may be substantially bow-tie shaped in cross-section.This cross-sectional shape is convenient for allowing the clampingattachment of each seat, and reduces the likelihood of a seatdisengaging from the support member, whilst also providing strength tothe support member. The shape of the clamp preferably corresponds withthe shape of at least the upper part of the support member, and thisassists in a secure engagement between the seat and the support member.

The support member may be manufactured from metal, for example an alloyof aluminium. The support member may be extruded. This means that thesupport member is simple to manufacture, and has a high strength toweight ratio.

Only two fixings may be required to hold each seat in position relativeto the support member. The fixings may be screws or bolts. The smallnumber of fixings which may optionally be used to hold each seat inposition provides an advantage over the prior art in that the seatingcan be installed quickly and straightforwardly. The fixings arepreferably not inserted into the support member, and hence the supportmember is not deformed or damaged by the installation of the seating.Hence, some or all of the seats can be replaced, without the supportmember having also to be replaced. The support member does not have tobe prepared prior to installation of the seats, for example no fixingholes are required to be pre-drilled. This offers maximum flexibility inthe positioning of seats.

The seat portion of each seat may be moveable beyond the first positiontowards the respective backrest. Whilst the seats are biased to pivottowards the tipped-up position when an occupant stands-up, the fact thatthe seat portion is spaced from the backrest when in the first,tipped-up, position the risk of damaging the seat as a result ofunintentional contact between the seat portion and the backrest isreduced. However, by enabling an occupant manually to overcome the bias,so as to urge the seat portion beyond the first position, closer to thebackrest, the amount of space between the seat and the adjacent row ofseats in front of the seat can be increased if necessary. This isparticularly advantageous where it is necessary to permit someone topass along the row of seats. The occupant of a seat standing up andpushing the seat portion of the seat back towards the backrest offersmore space for two people to pass each other between adjacent rows ofseats.

The spacings between adjacent seats can be varied and/or the seatsattached to the support member may be different widths from one another.Since there is no requirement for the support member to be preparedprior to the installation of the seats, for example by drilling fixingholes, and each seat is attachable to the support member by virtue ofthe clamp attachment formation, it is possible to support seats at avariety of spacings and/or to provide a variety of widths of seat on asingle support member. This can be advantageous if it is desired toprovide more than one “class” of seat for example. Seats can berelocated on the support member, to alter the spacing between adjacentseats, or can be replaced by seats of differing widths, as it isunnecessary to match up fixing holes on the seats with fixing holes inthe support member, for example. It is not necessary to provide fixingholes in the support member to attach the seats, therefore theappearance and strength of the seating system is not compromised, byattaching seats to the support member. Thus the seats can be removed andmoved or replaced, without the support member being visibly orstructurally impaired.

The seat portion of each seat may be shaped so as to provide a clearanceof at least 1 inch (25.4 mm) between adjacent seats attached to thesupport member. This is advantageous as the risk of trapping objects orparts of the body, for example fingers, between adjacent seats as theseat portion of a seat moves between the first tipped-up position andthe second open position.

The backrest/and or the seat portion of each seat may be manufacturedfrom a moulded plastics material. Preferably the backrest and/or theseat portion is gas-injection moulded. This enables the seat portion andthe backrest to have sharply defined edges, and thus a clean profile.Therefore the seating has an enhanced appearance compared with the priorart.

The shape of the seat portion may match the shape of the backrest, suchthat at least a front surface of the seat portion is a similar shape toa front surface of the backrest. This enables the seat portion to spacebetween the seat portion and the backrest to remain substantiallyconstant when the seat is in the first, tipped-up position. Preferablythe outlines of the seat portion and the backrest mirror each other sothat when viewed from the side and/or the front or the rear, the seatinglooks neat, particularly when a plurality of the seats are in theirrespective first positions, and can also be advantageous in savingspace.

The support member may be connected to a part of a structure by aconnecting member, wherein a lower part of the support member isreceivable in the connecting member.

The connecting member may be a cantilever. The connecting member is thusconnectable to a substantially vertical surface and is able to space thesupport member from the vertical surface. This further reducesobstructions at or near the feet of the occupant(s) of the seating,Alternatively, the connecting member may be a leg which is connectableto a substantially horizontal surface.

The seating may include an armrest adjacent at least one seat. Thisenhances the comfort of an occupant of the seat.

The or each armrest may include an attachment formation for attachingthe armrest to the support member.

The attachment formation of the or each armrest may be a clamp,

Only a single fixing may be required to hold the armrest in positionrelative to the support member. The fixing is not required to penetratethe support member in order to attach the armrest to the support member.

The attachment formation is connectable to the support member insubstantially the same way as each seat, thus providing for quick,straightforward installation.

The or each armrest may be manufactured from a moulded plasticsmaterial. For example the plastics material may be moulded by agas-injection moulding process. The armrest is able to have well-definededges, which enhances the appearance of the seating.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided amethod of providing seating including providing a support member forsupporting a plurality of seats, each of which includes a seat portionand a backrest, the seat portion being pivotable relative to thebackrest between a first, tipped-up position, and a second, open,position, each seat further including an attachment formation forreceiving an upper part of the support member, the method includingconnecting the support member to a structure, such that the supportmember is substantially horizontal, and engaging the plurality of seatswith the support member

The method of providing seating may include providing the seat portionand the backrest of each seat connected together as a single unit, forengagement with the support member. This means that each of the seatscan be transported to the installation site easily, and once on site canbe quickly attached to the support member, without having to connectparts of the seat together on site. This means that each seat or a batchof seats can be quality checked before leaving the production site, thusincreasing the levels of safety of the seating.

The method of providing seating may include holding each seat inposition relative to the support member using only two fixings. Thismeans that the installation process is uncomplicated, and can becompleted quickly.

The method of providing seating may include providing an armrestadjacent at least one of the seats.

The method of providing seating may include using a single fixing tohold the armrest in position relative to the support member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described, by way of example only, withreference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of seating according to the presentinvention,

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an attachment formation forattaching a seat to a support member of the seating, and

FIGS. 3A and 3B are perspective views of a pivot mechanism of a seat.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings there is shown seating 10, which includesa plurality of seats 12 supported by a support member 14. The supportmember 14 is a bar which, in use, is oriented substantiallyhorizontally, and to which each seat 12 can be attached, as explained inmore detail below. In this example, the support member 14 issubstantially “bow-tie” shaped in cross-section, and is preferablymanufactured from a metal, for example steel or an aluminium alloy,which may be extruded. The support member 14 is preferably approximately6 metres in length. it will be appreciated that other materials andshapes are possible.

Each seat 12 includes a seat portion 16 and a backrest 18. The seatportion 16 is substantially rectangular, having a top edge 16 a, whichis the uppermost part of the seat portion 16 when the seat portion is ina first, tipped-up, position as explained in more detail below, a loweredge 16 b, and two side edges 16 c, 16 d. The seat portion 16 has afront surface 16 e on which an occupant is able to sit, and a rearsurface 16 f. At least the front surface 16 e of the seat portion 16 ispreferably contoured to provide comfort for an occupant of the seat 12.For example the front surface 16 e of the seat portion 16 preferablyincludes an indent.

In this example, each of the edges 16 a, b, c, d of the seat portion 16is a wall which extends perpendicularly from the front surface 16 e ofthe seat portion 16, beyond the rear surface 16 f of the seat portion16. The rear surface 16 f of the seat portion inside a boundary formedby the walls 16 a-d is generally flat. The thickness of the walls 16 a-dstrengthens the seat portion 16.

The backrest 18 is also substantially rectangular having a top edge 18a, a lower edge 18 b, and two side edges 18 c, 18 d. The backrest 18 hasa front face 18 e, against which an occupant is able to rest his/herback whilst seated, and a rear surface. The edges 18 a, b, c, d of thebackrest 18 may include walls which extend from the front surface 18 eof the backrest 18 beyond the rear surface of the backrest 18, or mayalternatively extend between the front surface 18 e, and the rearsurface of the backrest 18. The walls 18 a-d strengthen the backrest 18.At least the front surface 18 e of the backrest 18 is preferablycontoured to provide comfort for an occupant.

The seat portion 16 of each seat 12 is pivotable between a first, tippedup position and a second opened position about an axis which issubstantially horizontal when the seat 12 is in use. The axis isprovided by a pair of pivot mechanisms 50 each of which is associatedwith one side of the seat 12.

Each mechanism 50 includes a body 52 which is carried by the backrest18, at or near the lower edge 18 b thereof, and remains stationaryrelative to the backrest 18. The backrest 18 includes a pair ofreceiving formations 22, one at each side of the backrest 18, in each ofwhich one of the pivot mechanisms 50 is received. Each of the receivingformations 22 is generally tubular.

Each pivot mechanism 50 includes a rotatable part 54 which is rotatablerelative to the body 52, and which is carried by the seat portion 16 ofthe seat 12. Each rotatable part 54 is received in a receivingformation, each of which is provided at or near the lower edge 16 b ofthe seat portion 16. Each of the receiving formations is generallytubular.

A torsion spring 56 is connected between the body 52 and the rotatablepart 54 of the pivot mechanism 50, to bias the seat portion 16 into afirst, tipped-up position relative to the backrest 18. A pin 58 extendsthrough the body 52, the torsion spring 56 and the rotatable part 54. Awasher 60 and a nut 62 are fitted on to the end of the pin 58 so as tohold the pivot mechanism 50 together.

Each body 52 includes a pair of stops 64 a, 64 b against each of which arespective abutment member 65 a, 65 b of the rotatable part 54 abutswhen the seat portion 16 is in the second position, so as to inhibitmovement of the seat portion 16 beyond the second position relative tothe backrest 18.

A cover plate 66 may be provided to conceal the pivot mechanism 50 fromview when in use. It will be appreciated that such cover plates areparticularly desirable for seats positioned at the end of a row. Thecover plate 66 may include a clip, in this example a pair of clips 68 a,68 b, each of which is engageable with an opening 70 in the body 52, tohold the cover plate 66 in position relative to the pivot mechanism 50.

In the first, tipped-up position the seat portion 16 of a seat. 12 issubstantially parallel with the backrest 18, so as to take up a smallspace compared with the space occupied when the seat portion 16 is inthe second, open, position. When the seat portion 16 of a seat 12 is inthe second position, the seat portion 16 is substantially perpendicularto the backrest 18. The shape of the backrest 18 and the seat portion 16are such that space between the seat portion 16 and the backrest 18 issubstantially constant between the substantially horizontal axis and theupper edge 16 a of the seat portion 16.

The torsion spring 56 preferably enables the seat portion 16 to returnto the first position without impacting on the backrest 18. However, theseat portion 16 may be moved beyond the first position, towards thebackrest 18, by applying pressure to the seat portion 16. The seatportion 16 is thus movable into contact with the backrest 18, so thatthe seat 12 takes up even less space. The seat portion 16 and thebackrest 18 are preferably similarly contoured, so that as the seatportion 16 is moved towards, and possibly into contact with the backrest18, the seat portion 16 and the backrest 18 complement each other'sshape, to enable the seat portion 16 and the backrest 18 to fit closelytogether.

Each seat 12 includes an attachment formation 24 for attaching the seat12 to the support member 14. In this example, the attachment formation24 includes a pair of clamps 26, each clamp 26 having an arm 28 and aclamp member 30. In use the arm 28 of each clamp 26 extends downwardlyfrom the lower end of the backrest 18, so as to be locatable adjacent arear surface of an upper part of the support member 14. The clampingmember 30 is shaped so as to be locatable adjacent a front surface ofthe upper part of the support member 14 and to provide a closeengagement therewith.

The arm 28 and the clamping member 30 each include a fixing formation 32for receiving a fixing 33, for example a screw or a bolt for tighteningthe clamp 26. In this example each fixing formation 32 is a passagewhich extends through the clamping member 30 and the arm 28 of eachclamp 26, and in use extends substantially horizontally from the frontto the back of the attachment formation 24, as shown in FIG. 2.

Alternatively the attachment formation 24 may be a clip which enables asnap-fit engagement between each seat 12 and the support member 14.

Each seat portion 16 is preferably shaped so that when the seat portions16 of two adjacent seats 12 are in or are moved towards their respectivesecond positions, there is a clearance of a least 25.4 mm (1 inch)between the adjacent seat portions 16, so as to reduce the risk oftrapping objects, for example an occupant's fingers, between the seatportions 16.

The seating 10 may include one or more armrests 34 including anarm-support part 40, which is dimensioned and shaped for the comfort ofan occupant of the seat 10. Each seat 12 may include an armrest 34, oreach armrest 34 may be provided separately. In the latter case, eacharmrest 34 includes an attachment formation 36, which is a clamp, whichis similar to the clamp 26 of the seat 12, i.e. having an arm 28 and aclamping member 30 which are shaped to conform to the shape of the upperpart of the support member 14, and which are connectable together by afixing 33 which is receivable in fixing formations 42 of the arm 28 andthe clamping member 30 of the armrest clamp 36.

Alternatively, the attachment formation 36 of the armrest 34 may be aclip, which enables each armrest 34 to engage the support member 14 witha snap-fit.

The seating 10 may also include a connecting member 44 for connectingthe support member 14 to a part of a structure 46. The part of thestructure 46 may be a floor or wall of a building, or may be ascaffolding element which forms part of a permanent or temporary standfor seating.

In this example the connecting member 44 is a cantilever, a first end ofwhich is connectable to a wall part or “riser” of a structure, and thesecond end of which is connectable to the support member 14. The secondend of the connecting member 44 includes a mouth 47 for receiving a partof the support member 14. The mouth 47 extends generally upwardly inuse, so as to receive a lower part of the support member 14. The supportmember 14 is connected to and spaced from the part of the structure 46by the connecting member 46. It will also be appreciated thatalternatively the support member 14 may be a part of the structure. As afurther alternative, the connecting member 44 may be a leg which isattachable to a substantially horizontal surface, for example theground, or a “tread” part of a tiered structure.

The seat portion 16 and the backrest are both preferably manufacturedfrom a plastics material, and are preferably manufactured by agas-injection moulding process. This process involves injecting a gas,for example nitrogen, into the plastics material during the mouldingprocess. This assists in reducing the amount of shrinkage of theplastics material during cooling and thus results in an aestheticallypleasing finish of the seat portion 16 and the backrest 18. It ispossible to provide a seat portion 16 and a backrest 18 which havedefined edges, which distinguishes the seat 12 from other seats whichhave a more common “rounded edge” appearance, thus making the seat 12desirable as a high quality product. It will be appreciated that otherparts of the seating may also be manufactured using this process ifdesired.

The seat portion 16 may be of such a width as to accommodate a pluralityof occupants, for example the seat may be a bench or bleacher-styleseat.

Each seat may include a seat number portion 48, which may be used todisplay a row and/or seat number. In this example the seat numberposition 48 is located on the rear surface 16 f of the seat portion 16,so that the seat number is readily visible when the seat 12 is in thefirst position.

To provide seating, an appropriate number of support members 14 areselected. The support member(s) can be cut to size on site asappropriate. The or each support member 14 is connected to the part ofthe structure 46 where seating is required, by using one or moreconnecting members 44. Preferably a connecting member 44 is used to fixeach end of the support member 14 to the part of the structure 46. Anadvantage of this invention is that the number of connecting devices 44or legs for connecting the seats 12 to the part of the structure 46 isminimised, to simplify and speed up installation of the seating 10.Preferably a plurality of seats 12 are attached to the or each supportmember 14 to form a row of seats 12. A plurality of support members 14are preferably connected to different parts of the structure 46 toprovide a tiered formation, with each successive row of seats beingpositioned higher than the row in front.

It is preferable for each seat 12 to be provided as a single unit. Sincethe seat portion 16 and the backrest 18 are correspondingly shaped, theseat 12 can be packaged for transportation in a compact manner, with theseat portion 16 in contact with the backrest 18. The installer simplyremoves the seat 12 from the packaging and can attach the seat 12 to thesupport member 14 by locating the arm 28 of each clamp 26 adjacent therear surface of the upper part of the support member 14. In order tohold each seat 12 firmly in position relative to the support member 14,the clamping member 30 is aligned with the arm 28, adjacent the frontsurface of the upper part of the support member 14. A fixing 33 isinserted through each formation 32 to tighten the clamping member 30against the arm 28 of the clamp 26 to draw the arm 28 and the clampingmember 30 together, so as to grip the support member 14. The fixing 33is not required to penetrate the support member 14.

One or more armrests 34 may be provided with each seat 12, or may beprovided separately. In the event that the armrests) is/are providedseparately, the or each armrest 34 is attached to the support member 14in the same way as each seat 12, i.e. by clamping the armrest 34 to thesupport member 14 by means of the clamp 36. The position of the or eacharmrest 34 is selected, and the or each armrest 34 is attached to thesupport member 14 by positioning the arm 28 of the clamp 36 adjacent therear face of the upper part of the support member 14. In order to holdthe or each armrest 34 in position relative to the support member 14, asingle fixing 33 is preferably inserted through the fixing formations 42in the clamping member 30 and the arm 28 to draw the arms of the clamp38 together, so as to grip the support member 14. The fixing is notrequired to penetrate the support member 14.

Owing to the uniformity of the support member 14, and the reduced needto provide fixing points and/or connection members for supporting theseats 12, it is possible to simply attach as many seats 12 as desired tothe support member 14. Since the position of each seat is not dictatedby the position of predetermined fixing points, the spacing of seats 12can be selected as required. It is also possible to attach seats ofvarying sizes to the or each support member 14 if desired. For example,the seating 10 may include a one or more standard seats and one or more“premium” seats, which may be spaced further apart than the standardseats. Alternatively, the premium seats could be wider than the standardseats. The spacings between adjacent seats can be selected at the timeof installation, as there are no predetermined fixing points in thesupport member. This offers complete flexibility in arranging theseating 10.

It is also possible for the seats 12 to be replaced or relocated simplyand quickly, without having to ensure that the new seats will be thesame size as the previous seats, and without having to adhere to thesame spacings between adjacent seats 12. The support member 14 is notdamaged by having the seats connected thereto, therefore when seats areremoved, there will be no unsightly fixing holes visible.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the followingclaims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific formsor in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or amethod or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate,may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised forrealising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

1. Seating, including a support member for supporting a plurality ofseats, the support member being, in use, substantially horizontal, theseating further including a plurality of seats each of which includes aseat portion and a backrest, the seat portion of each seat beingpivotable relative to the respective backrest between a first,tipped-up, position and a second, open, position, wherein when in thefirst position the seat portion is substantially parallel to thebackrest, and in the second position the seat portion is substantiallyperpendicular to the backrest, the seat portion being biased towards thefirst position, each seat further including an attachment formation forattaching the seat to the support member.
 2. Seating according to claim1 wherein the support member is substantially bow-tie shaped incross-section.
 3. Seating according to claim 1 wherein the attachmentformation of each seat is a clamp.
 4. Seating according to claim 1wherein the support member is manufactured from metal.
 5. Seatingaccording to claim 1 wherein only two fixings are required to hold eachseat in position relative to the support member.
 6. Seating according toclaim 1 wherein the seat portion is moveable beyond the first positiontowards the backrest.
 7. Seating according to claim 1 wherein at leasttwo of the seats are different widths from one another.
 8. Seatingaccording to claim 1 wherein the seat portion of each seat is shaped soas to provide a clearance of at least 1 inch (25.4 mm) between adjacentseats attached to the support member.
 9. Seating according to claim 1wherein the backrest/and or the seat portion of each seat ismanufactured from a moulded plastics material.
 10. Seating according toclaim 1 wherein the shape of the seat portion matches the shape of thebackrest, such that at least a front surface of the seat portion is asimilar shape to a front surface of the backrest.
 11. Seating accordingto claim 1 wherein the support member is connected to a part of astructure by a connecting member, wherein a lower part of the supportmember is receivable in the connecting member.
 12. Seating according toclaim 11 wherein the connecting member is a cantilever.
 13. Seatingaccording to claim 1 including an armrest adjacent at least one seat.14. Seating according to claim 13 wherein the or each armrest includesan attachment formation for attaching the armrest to the support member.15. Seating according to claim 14 wherein the attachment formation ofthe or each armrest is a clamp.
 16. Seating according to claim 13wherein only a single fixing is required to hold the armrest in positionrelative to the support member.
 17. Seating according to claim 13wherein the or each armrest is manufactured from a moulded plasticsmaterial.
 18. A method of providing seating including providing asupport member for supporting a plurality of seats, each of whichincludes a seat portion and a backrest, the seat portion being pivotablerelative to the backrest between a first, tipped-up position, and asecond, open, position, each seat further including an attachmentformation for receiving an upper part of the support member, the methodincluding connecting the support member to a structure, such that thesupport member is substantially horizontal, and engaging the pluralityof seats with the support member.
 19. A method of providing seatingaccording to claim 18 including providing the seat portion and theback-rest connected together as a single unit, for engagement with thesupport member.
 20. A method of providing seating according to claim 18including holding each seat in position relative to the support memberusing only two fixings.
 21. A method of providing seating according toclaim 18 including providing an armrest adjacent at least one of theseats.
 22. A method of providing seating according to claim 21 includingusing a single fixing to hold the armrest in position relative to thesupport member.